The question of what band would play Dance Marathon was solved late Wednesday night at Battle of the Bands, with Otto Vector’s stunning performance winning over the crowd of students, bands and Dance Marathon staff.
It was a night where five bands, varied in style, strived to be a part of the big event that is Dance Marathon. There was rock, punk and dance music blasting from the Union Ballroom.
The night started out with the performance of Child’s Play from Defiance. They rocked out to classic rock greats and finished with a fan favorite, “Fight For Your Right (To Party).”
Rooted Truth, the Bowling Green natives, were the second band to perform. Being a band known for covering classic rock hits, they played all original material, which they said they would also perform this weekend in Cleveland.
“It was a lot of fun, but it was kind of hot up there,” singer/ guitarist, Jason Copsey said.
The third band to hit the stage, A Shore Scenic Romance, gave an energetic set packed with punk attitude and music. ASSR has a CD coming out Feb. 12.
Premonition, a high school band from Wayne, Ohio, gave the fourth performance of the night and came with quite a following. They played hard rock and did a cover of “Godzilla” by Blue Oyster Cult. Premonition said the battle was only their second gig, and they had a good time playing and listening to other bands.
The winners, Otto Vector, who hail from Detroit, gave what many considered the most energetic and entertaining performance of the night- offering dance music the audience was yearning for.
With keyboardist Mike Sonic getting electrically shocked from pounding the keys, and guitarist Ginseng having blood on his shirt, gave an indication on how hard the band performed on stage.
Female vocalist, Renee’, urged the audience to move and dance considering it was for Dance Marathon while peaking into their performance. Her vocal performance meshed with the music and provided a layer smoothness to the techno beats.
Otto Vector’s early video game soundtracks and early 80s’ pop influence helped form their electronic/dance/trance style Ginseng said.
Their unique and stimulating sound will keep hearts pumping and the marathon dancers busy on the first day of the Marathon on Feb. 19, at 12:30 p.m.
Otto Vector’s album “Dv2.0” and mp3 samples are available on Web site www.ottovector.com.
